We’ll castrate rapists and paedophile– Mugabe

Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Mugabe, last week said his government is ‘seriously’ considering castration of rapists – especially those who violated children, says New Zimbabwe.

Mugabe was speaking at a luncheon held in the capital after the opening of Parliament.

The infuriated leader ranted about the inhumane acts committed by people close to their own blood: “What sort of men have we become, raping our babies, and in some cases even your own? What has entered this house of freedom, the Zimbabwe house of freedom?”

“We are saying to our own people, we in government, let’s teach our men how to behave and have good character,” he added.

Mugabe lamented that authorities have been letting the rapists walk scot-free after committing the heinous acts.

“We have said to the police arrest them, but it seems not to be working. They have remained defiant, they don’t heed the chiefs, the government or the police,” he told.

Making reference to Islamic law, Sharia, Mugabe said that castration is a suitable solution to the offensive crimes.

“So what shall we do to them? In Sharia law they say if you steal, the hand must go. So if you rape what must go?”

The latter remark sent the gathering, which included government ministers into stitches. This prompted Mugabe to state that government was actually considering castration.

“You might take it (castration) as a laughing matter because we are considering it seriously,” he said.

With that, Mugabe gave a stern warning to men.

“Don’t say Mr Mugabe is becoming cruel because we want to protect our women. So men, take care.”

The 91-year-old Head of State is not one to avoid controversy. Earlier this year, he mockingly proposed to American President Barack Obama to criticise his (Obama’s) stand on Gay rights.

“I have just concluded- since President Obama endorses the same-sex marriage, advocates homosexual people and enjoys an attractive countenance – thus if it becomes necessary, I shall travel to Washington DC, get down on my knee and ask his hand,” said Mugabe jokingly.

Mugabe made Obama out to be a hypocrite, asking why a man who is married to a woman is championing for same sex relationships.

He took a personal swipe at Obama asking him if he was a product of a homosexual union: “We have this American President, Obama, born of an African father, who is saying we will not give you aid if you don’t embrace homosexuality. We ask, was he born out of homosexuality?”

His salty sentiments made international headlines, and this roused criticism for the Zimbabwean leader.